Chennai: Two fishermen were killed and at least 10 others suffered grievous injuries after fishermen from two villages along East Coast Road (ECR) near Alampara Kuppam in Kancheepuram district clashed, about 100 km from the city on early Friday morning.
The deceased fishermen were identified as Sekar (30) and Ramakrishnan (32) of Kadapakkam village. Police investigations revealed that fishermen from Kadapakkam Kuppam and Alampara Kuppam near Alampara fort were at loggerheads over the past six months over the share of funds from film shooting that takes place in the villages.
The film crew, which arrive for shooting in Alamarakuppam, used to give money to the village heads for their cooperation, which is put into a common fund, according to police sources.
“In the past six months, both parties used to damage each other’s boats, fishing nets in minor clashes. On Thursday night, the clash escalated when two men were seen tampering with the boats,” a police officer said.
The two groups clashed with deadly weapons and there were injured on both sides. Police rushed to the scene on information and moved the injured to a private hospital in Puducherry where Sekar and Ramakrishnan were declared brought dead. Eleven others are undergoing treatment.
Later in the day, women from both villages gathered on the roads leading to a tense situation in and around Alamarakuppam. Senior police officials, including Deputy Inspector General, PC.
Thenmozhi, Superintendent of Police, Santosh Hadimani, and a posse of about 200 police personnel were deployed to prevent further untoward incidents.
Sunambedu police have registered a case and have initiated investigations. Police sources said that the situation continued to be tense until late evening.
